Sadhika Kumar, economist turned COO, shares her journey from Silicon Valley to Lynkit. She highlights challenges as a startup competing with giants, emphasising innovation for client savings. Kumar advocates for diversity and tech-driven gender equality in logistics careers.
Sadhika anticipates gender equality shifts, credited to technological advancements in logistics.
Sadhika Kumar, Co-founder and COO, Lynkit, an economist by training, commenced her journey in logistics after completing her bachelor’s at LSR College, New Delhi, and master’s at UC Berkeley. Beginning as a transportation economist in Silicon Valley, she honed a data-centric approach to logistics. Having acquired valuable experience at the nexus of logistics, technology, and finance, she returned to New Delhi. There, she partnered with co-founders to establish Lynkit. Their mission was to orchestrate efficiency into every supply chain to eventually bring about measurable cost savings for businesses.
Entrepreneurial odyssey
Being an entrepreneur presents both challenges and rewards. In the competitive B2B landscape, establishing credibility is paramount, especially against industry giants. According to Sadhika, persistence and innovation are key. Personally, Sadhika Kumar has received accolades such as Times 40 under 40. Recently, she had the honour of meeting the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, representing a select group of women entrepreneurs at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Logistics evolution
In her business, the convergence of logistics and technology signals a significant shift in India’s industry landscape. Businesses and the government increasingly prioritise technology for enhanced cargo visibility, security, and operational optimization. This shift is driven by both supply and demand considerations, as companies aim to fortify their resilience and meet customer expectations for faster, more cost-effective shipping. Government initiatives like the national logistics policy, ONDC, and ULIP underscore the growing importance of technology in revolutionising India’s logistics sector.
Synergy
Diversity and technology synergize in logistics, fostering inclusivity and innovation. As technology advances, roles diversify, breaking traditional gender barriers. This mutual evolution drives industry growth and adaptability, shaping a more equitable and dynamic workforce.
Gender integration
Sadhika anticipates significant shifts in gender equality within Indian logistics, attributing them to technological advancements. She highlights the evolving role of warehousing, once manual but now automated with digital solutions like IoT and AI. As smart warehouses require diverse skills, opportunities for women increase. With centralised control towers and digital management, logistics becomes more inclusive, reflecting a growing trend in India towards gender equality in the sector.
Empowerment
Sadhika emphasises the abundant opportunities in India’s burgeoning logistics sector, urging aspiring women to adopt problem-solving mindsets. Regardless of gender or skills, she encourages participation in various aspects of logistics, from strategy and planning to tech. With the industry’s goal of reducing logistics costs, she underscores the importance of collective effort, affirming that everyone can contribute to shaping the transformative changes underway.
